Rwanda Condemns Israeli Attack on Doha and Calls for Peaceful Resolution

The Government of Rwanda has strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Doha, Qatar, that occurred on September 9th, 2025. Rwanda extended its condolences to the State of Qatar for the loss of personnel and expressed concern over the dangerous implications of such actions. In its statement, Rwanda emphasized that “the wanton violation of fundamental norms of interstate relations is alarming and unsettling,” warning that it is leading the world toward a “no-rules-based order” with no recent precedent.

The Rwandan government criticized the ongoing escalation as senseless and highlighted the international community’s apparent inaction. It decried the hypocrisy and complacency displayed, especially by powerful nations, asserting that such attitudes leave the world vulnerable to growing chaos and uncertainty.

The statement also praised Qatar for its crucial role in mediating some of the most complex conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, and called for recognition and appreciation of these efforts. Rwanda reaffirmed its support for Qatar during this difficult time and urged for a principled, pragmatic, and swift resolution to the regional conflict to restore peace and stability.

On the day of the attack, Israeli military aircraft used 15 warplanes to drop approximately 10 bombs on Doha, targeting Hamas leaders without prior consultation with Qatar. Hamas reported that members of its delegation in Doha were shot but survived, though six others, including a Qatari security official, were killed.

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, described the attack as a threat to Qatar’s security, stating that the country reserves the right to respond in any manner necessary. The attack was widely condemned around the world, including by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Israel launched the operation without his knowledge. Trump expressed disappointment, stating, “Qatar is a strong partner and friend of the United States. I am not happy with this attack. It was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, not by me,” and revealed he had instructed his envoy to warn Qatar’s leaders, albeit too late to prevent the strikes.

Sheikh Mohammed explained that what the State of Qatar witnessed was an act of state terrorism carried out under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing it as part of a deliberate policy to destabilize regional security. He characterized it as a clear message to the region that Israel is acting as a rogue player engaged in ongoing political recklessness and systematic violations of sovereignty.

His Excellency noted that, under the direction of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatari security, civil defense, and other authorities immediately responded to the attack, which took place at 3:46 pm, containing the situation, documenting casualties, and taking steps to ensure public safety.

He expressed his condolences to the family of Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al Humaidi Al Dosari of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), who was killed while carrying out his duties, as well as to the families of other victims. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Prime Minister stressed that the Amir has made the safety of citizens and residents the highest priority, and therefore Qatar will begin a comprehensive review of policies and procedures to deter such actions and prevent their recurrence.

His Excellency criticized Netanyahu for previously declaring intentions to reshape the Middle East, questioning whether this was also meant as a threat to reshape the Arabian Gulf.

His Excellency argued that such hostile behavior reflects only the barbarism of Netanyahu, adding that the latter was pushing the region toward irreparable instability, undermining international laws and frameworks.

His Excellency pointed out that the attack not only violated international law but also ethical and humanitarian standards, particularly as Qatar was officially hosting negotiations with US involvement and Israeli awareness. He described it as an act of treachery, noting that such behavior reflects Netanyahu’s disregard for regional stability in pursuit of personal ambitions.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs added that the recent days saw the final parts of negotiations continue based on a request from the United States with the knowledge of the Israeli side who were sending their delegations to Doha. His Excellency described the attack as sabotage against all efforts to advance peace opportunities in the region.

His Excellency questioned whether the international community needed further proof of who was obstructing peace and acting as the bully in the region, stressing that history would document the attack as a grave violation of international law and norms.

His Excellency called for it to be taken seriously as an assault on state sovereignty that requires decisive measures.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani confirmed that the State of Qatar has engaged in intensive communications with allied and friendly states to coordinate actions in response, noting that further details of these measures would be announced in the coming days.

HE Prime Miniser and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani denied claims that the State of Qatar had received prior notification from the United States before the Israeli attack, stressing that the first call from an American official came ten minutes after the strike. He explained that the message conveyed at that time was that the US side had just been informed of the attack.

He clarified that the strike occurred at 3:46 pm, while the first call from a US official was received at 3:56 pm, ten minutes later.

HE the Prime Minister further noted that US President Donald Trump later phoned HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, during which he condemned the attack and confirmed the official US position that Washington had no prior knowledge of the attack, nor had there been any coordination beforehand, with the notification only arriving after it had already begun.

On the performance of air defenses, HE the Prime Minister said that the State of Qatar’s defense system had proven effective in accurately intercepting Iranian missile strikes without any damage, but in this case Israel used weapons that radar systems were unable to detect, making the assault completely treacherous and unforeseen.
His Excellency stressed that all rumors or claims being circulated and promoted by Netanyahu were baseless fabrications.

Regarding Gaza talks, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the State of Qatar had spared no effort to make ceasefire negotiations succeed and would continue to do everything necessary to end the assaults on the Strip. He added that there are currently no active negotiations over any deal while the Israeli attacks continue.

HE the Prime Minister emphasized that Qatari diplomacy has never been built on short-term positions or reactions toward particular parties, but rather on firm principles aimed at achieving regional stability through peaceful solutions and intensive diplomatic engagement. He underlined that wars and conflicts will not bring about the desired stability.

In conclusion, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that mediation is an integral part of the State of Qatar’s foreign policy identity, and that the country remains firmly committed to this role in order to safeguard regional stability and ensure the security and prosperity of its peoples.